There is no formal application form as of yet, but an application should clearly state:

The property details: as much detail as possible, i.e. erf number and or address; locality map of sort -

What the land is to be used for

Motivation for the acquisition

Preferred method of disposal: Sale; Lease or Encroachment

Name and contact details of the applicant

Application process and time frames

Once the hand-delivered application is received, acknowledgment of receipt of application will be e-mailed to the applicant with the contact details of the relevant official dealing with the application.

The application will be subjected to internal circulation (SALT) in order to assess whether the subject land is required for municipal purposes, the most fundamental question to be responded to.

A report will be prepared for consideration by full Council via the relevant standing committee of Council (Human Settlement Committee) and the Executive Mayor.

The report will recommend and Council will resolve whether the land can be disposed and if so in what manner, i.e. by means of public tender or by means of expression of interest.

Both instances will be advertised in the media; tenders will be considered by the Land Evaluation Committee and adjudicated

Time frames are according to SPLUMA (Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act) -View info-graphic

Cost

The cost will vary according to the TYPE of application. Examples of TYPE include but are not limited to: Rezoning /Closure / Survey / Sub- division / Market value.
Disposal and transfer will be for the cost of the applicant.

Can we recommend a builder / architects / draftsmen?

No. Unfortunately we cannot recommend individuals, we would always
suggest you consider builders / architects / draftsmen who are prepared to let you
view recent projects and seek references from previous clients. Recommendations
provided by friends / relatives do give a degree of reassurance, together with
membership (registration) of appropriate trade / professional associations.
Always agree to your requirement whether this be through a formal contract or
written plans and specifications, give consideration to issues such as
insurance, access to the property, fire safety, services such as water and
electric, security, site clearance / cleanliness etc.

Did You Inspect my property?

As
this is a mass valuation, the Municipal Valuer uses a computer aided mass
appraisal (CAMA) system to determine the values of all properties. This is
based on statistical analysis and geographical information systems (GIS), and
therefore requires reliable and accurate data.

For residential property, obtaining access to all properties is not possible,
and as such, the Municipal Valuer makes use of advanced technology that allows
the collection of data. This includes the use of building plans and Pictometry,
which is the state of the art 3D aerial photography that allows the valuers to
see the properties from all angles, and be able to measure the extents and
heights of the
buildings, as well as other information relating to quality, condition and
other improvements. This is augmented by the use of street level video footage
which is collected by driving down each street and recording the street
frontages. This method is acceptable in terms of the MPRA, and endorsed by the
International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) the international body
that sets
standards to mass appraisal importantly endorses more.

However, in cases where the aerial photography and other imagery is not
useable, usually in the cases where properties have a lot of foliage, or high
security walls, then physical inspection of the site is undertaken.

The data collection process is independently reviewed for quality assurance
purposes to ensure the data collectors are consistent in their approach and the
data they record is correct for the subject property.

For non-residential properties, field visits are undertaken to obtain data such
as the property use, rentals and financial records of businesses.

Do I need a Lawyer to represent me at the Appeal Board?

The
Appeal Board is not a court of law, and you do not need to bring a lawyer,
unless you wish to do so. You may also bring any other expert to assist
you during your appeal hearing. However this will be for your own account.

The Valuation Appeal Board will consist of a Chairperson with legal
qualifications and sufficient experience in the administration of justice. The
remaining members will be made up of not fewer than two and not more than four
other members with sufficient knowledge of, or experience in, the valuation of
property. At least one must be a professional valuer registered in terms of the
Property Valuers Profession Act 47 of 2000.

The Appeal Board is an independent Body appointed by the MEC Local Government.

How long will an objection take to be resolved?
The number of objection received will have an effect on the process period. The
Municipal Valuer will review the objections taking in consideration the
information that was provided on the objection form.

The outcome of the Municipal Valuer decisions will be mailed to objectors in
phases as per completion.

How am I billed for municipal services?

You
will be sent a monthly statement that details charges. The due date for payment
is clearly indicated on the statement.

Water and
electricity charges are based on actual consumption. In the case of debit
meters, consumption is determined by readings taken from the meters. In
the case of pre-payment meters, the meter will be "charged" with
units.

Charges for refuse
removal depend on the usage of a property. Businesses, such as restaurants
and supermarkets, are charged a higher fee than domestic consumers,
because of the nature and volume of the refuse to be collected.

Sewerage charges
are determined by the number of sewer points (toilets and urinals) on a
property (based on water consumption, with basic minimum calculated on 11 kl
of water and a maximum of 50 kl for domestic customers).

Trade effluent
charges are charged in respect of all businesses.

How do I determine if there is a water leak on my property?

Check whether
there are any damp areas on the ground or on the walls where your pipes
run.

Make sure that
the geyser is not overflowing by checking the overflow pipe on the roof.

Check the
cisterns of each toilet on the property to ensure that the rubber seal is
effective and water is not continually running into the bowl.

If a hissing
sound can be heard from the water pipes when no taps are running, there is
probably a leak.

Make sure that
no taps are dripping: - a dripping tap can waste more than 200 litres of
water a day, or about 6,5 kilolitres a month.

Take a reading before going to bed at night;
before you use/consume any water the following day, take the reading again. Any
deviation between the two readings will indicate that you have a water leak

How do I establish what development is permitted on my property?

The zoning regulations as well as the correct property
description and details of the size, orientation etc can be obtained from 3rdfloor, Lillian Diedericks (Brister House), 191 Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port
Elizabeth.

Details of restrictions set out in the Title Deed can be
established by obtaining a copy of the Title Deed from the Deeds Office, or the
Bank or Financial Institution that holds the mortgage bond.

Can I change the zoning regulations and/or remove restrictive
conditions of title?

If a proposed property development requires a change of the
zoning regulations or amendment of the title conditions, this is possible, but
requires an application and a formal procedure.There are numerous different kinds of applications, many which are
technically and legally complex.It is
therefore advisable to consult a professional town planning consultant or other
professionals.

Some development proposals may not require rezoning or
removal of restrictive conditions but nevertheless need the Councils
permission.These are known as Consent
Applications and are usually less complex, but need to be legally and technical
correct.

Pre-consultation process where a planner will advise the
applicant on which land application to apply and Pre-consultation forms are
available at 3rd floor, Lillian Diedericks (Brister House), 191
Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port Elizabeth.

Form for the various types of applications available at 2ndfloor, Lillian Diedericks (Brister House), 191 Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port
Elizabeth. Click here to download the form.

How do I find out where the sewers run in my property?

Visit the Technical
Department of the Wastewater Conveyance Division, which is located on the 6thFloor of the Mfanasekhaya Gqobose Building (formerly the Eric Tindale
Building), Govan Mbeki Ave, Port Elizabeth. Once there you can request to talk
to a Technician who will be more than willing to assist you.

How do I get copies of building records for my property?

The Building Inspectorate Office is the primary source of
information about your property. Ask for a copy of the history for your property.
This history is typically previously approved plans with dates of all building additions
done and general data about the construction. The Building Inspectorate Main Office
(PE) can be reached at 0415062462.

Please
note that copies of the records can be made at the Central Information offices (Ground Floor, Lillian Diedricks Building) after payment has been made on the ground floor at the cashiers, Mfanasekhaya Gqobose Building. Please note that no cash will be accepted for plan copies at the Building Inspector Archive counter and that you will only receive a receipt for payment to be made at the cashiers. You will be charged according to size of prints of the plans as well
as the amount of copies you require.

How do I object?

You can object to the market value of the property,
bearing in mind the valuations are determined as
of 2 July 2012, and not the current market. In addition, you can object to the
stated category of the
property. Objections will also be possible if the property description or owner
names are incorrect.

The required forms for the lodging of an objection to an individual property
are available at the
Customer care centres and website www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za. Valuation staff will be
available at the centres to assist. The completed objection forms must be
returned BY HAND to any of the centre(s) listed below. Kindly bring
along this Section 49 notice when submitting your objection, as this will
expedite the submission process.

NO FORM OF ELECTRONIC, EMAIL OR FACSIMILE (FAX) SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
NO LATE OBJECTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
CLOSING DATE FOR OBJECTIONS IS FRIDAY, 19 APRIL 2013 BEFORE 16H00.

What happens after I have lodged my objection?
The matter will be referred back to the valuer, who will review the valuation
in the light of any
additional information provided by you. You will be informed in writing of the
outcome of this review.

What happens if I am still unhappy with my valuation?
You may lodge an appeal against the valuation and this appeal will be heard by
the Valuation Appeal
Board, which is a tribunal appointed by the Provincial Government.

How do I lodge an Appeal?
Details of this will be provided to you together with the outcome of your
objection.

Your water meter tells you exactly how much water you are using. Generally, water meters are located just inside the boundary of your property, normally in the corner.

Water usage can be monitored by simply reading your meter on a daily basis.

Black numbers tell you how many kilolitres you have used;

Red numbers tell you how many litres you have used.

to detect leaks close all taps and check that the water meter shows no consumption

read your meter regularly, get to know where the water is used

protect your meter from theft and vandalism

How do I register my electricity prepaid meter number in order for the meter number to reflect on my water and/or property rates account ?

To register a pre-paid meter number is quick and easy - forward your pre-paid electricity meter or card number, together with your municipal account number to the Customer Care Section for linking, by using any of the following methods:

How do I request that services be cut if my property is illegally occupied?

Please forward a
letter that indicates the address, your account number and the date you would
like services to be cut. The owner will be held liable for the reconnection
cost and the settlement of arrear amounts on the account.

How does the City Value your property?

The
purpose of the valuation project is to determine a market value of
all properties, which implies the most probable price that a property would
realise on the date of valuation, if sold on the open market by a willing
seller to a willing buyer.

There are several types of properties in the municipality – residential,
sectional title, non- residential and agriculture. Each is valued on different
basis, although they all relate to the market value. For example, residential
property (including sectional titles) is valued on a comparable sales method. Most
commercial property (including retail, offices, warehousing) are valued on an
income basis, while institutional properties such as schools, hospitals and
clinics are valued on a cost basis.

When valuing the properties, the Municipal Valuer establishes the market
conditions, and this is based on recent sales and market information activity
in the various areas. Therefore this will take into consideration areas where
values have declined, increased or remained stagnant due to the current state
of the economy as on the Valuation date

How does the value of my property affect my rates bill?

Rates
are calculated by charging a percentage of the valuation of your property as an
annual fee. The higher the value of your property, the higher your rates will
be. The value of the property is determined by valuers and the resulting value
is multiplied by a factor (eg 2.4%), which in turn results in the amount
of rates charged. These funds are then used by the Municipality to maintain NMBM
infrastructure (such as roads and streetlights).

How long is an approved plan valid?

A building plan is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. You
may apply in writing to your local authority for an extension before the expiry
date. Extension can be granted for six months upon receipts of written request
from the property owner.

I am a sectional title property owner. Even though I pay individual rates and taxes, I also pay levies to the body corporate for my water and electricity. Why have you cut my electricity/water?

The onus is on the
body corporate (represented by your Managing Agent) to ensure that the full
amount on the statement is settled. We have cut/restricted service to your
complex because they have not paid your services account. Please consult your
body corporate (Chairman of the Trustees) regarding your payment to them. Once
proof of payment is made available to us, we will reconnect your services.

I have a tenant in my property that is supposed to pay for the water and electricity bill. Will you take credit control action against the tenant or against me as the owner?

Property owners are
responsible for the full payment of all municipal services and rates accounts,
even if the property is let to a tenant.

I have objected to the new value of my property. Must I continue to pay my rates even though I think I am paying too much?

The
MPRA Section 50 (6) states:

"The lodging of an objection does not defer liability for payment of rates
beyond the date determined for payment".

Therefore the account must still be paid until the objection process has been finalised.

The MPRA Section 55 (2) states :

"If an adjustment in the valuation of a property affects the amount due
for rates payable on that property, the municipal manager must :

(a) calculate -

(i) the amount actually paid on the property since the effective date;
and

(ii) the amount payable in terms of the adjustment on the property since
the effective date ; and

(b) recover from, or repay to, the person liable for the payment of the rate
the difference determined in terms of paragraph (a) plus interest at a
prescribed rates.

If I do not receive a statement from the NMBM, how can the Municipality expect me to pay if I am not billed?

The onus is on the
property owner to ensure that he/she receives a statement from the NMBM. The
property owner should ensure that the correct details are given to the NMBM by
calling 041 506 5555 or emailing customercare@mandelametro.gov.za.
Alternatively, any Customer Care Offices can be contacted.

To what extent is the Municipal decision final?

Section
52(2) of the MPRA states that if the Municipal Valuer changes the value of a
property that was objected to by more than 10% upwards or downwards the Appeal
Board must review the objection, confirm, amend or revoke the decision of the
Municipal Valuer.

Water saving tips - Water usage in and around the house.

PROTECT OUR SCARCE RESOURCES

"We need water to grow our economy and to alleviate poverty in
South Africa.

Let’s conserve our water and use it with care”

WATER SAVING TIPS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

IN THE HOME:

immediately repair/report leaks (dripping taps can waste 200 l/day)

check no overflows from hot water storage cylinder (geyser) or toilet cistern

educate all staff and children to save water

wash up in batches, not single items

collect cold water from the shower in a bucket while waiting for hot water to arrive

rinse dishes in a basin and reuse the water in the garden

use bathwater to flush toilets

heat water in a kettle rather than run the hot water tap

make less use of automatic dishwashers and reduce their running cycles

shower instead of bathing – do not let the shower run continuously, use a bucket to collect in the shower. In the shower, turn the water on to get wet, turn off to lather up, then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair

bath in not more than 100 mm depth of water

share baths when possible

flush toilets sparingly, flush with the bath water

automatic flushing urinals waste water; replace them

place 1 litre plastic bottle/bag filled with water in the toilet cistern

avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects or other similar waste in the rubbish rather than the toilet

Everybody uses water and it is everybody’s responsibility to use water wisely, sparingly and to save it wherever possible. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community. Encourage them to "do their part”. Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don’t waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying in a hotel.

HOW CAN I PAY MY PART?

You can play a part by being aware of your impact on water consumption and
your responsibility to save it and by telling others about it.

You can save water at home, at work, at school and anywhere you use water.

Use the many tips to save water and try to find other ways to save it.

Your water meter tells you exactly how much water you are using. Generally, water meters are located just inside the boundary of your property, normally in the corner.

Water usage can be monitored by simply reading your meter on a daily basis.

Black numbers tell you how many kilolitres you have used;

Red numbers tell you how many litres you have used.

to detect leaks close all taps and check that the water meter shows no consumption

read your meter regularly, get to know where the water is used

protect your meter from theft and vandalism

How do you use water in your home? The two main water-guzzlers are baths and toilets!

Remember the golden rule: bath water should not be deeper than 100mm.Check the table below to establish which of your domestic activities use the most water.

AVERAGE DAILY INDOOR WATER USE FOR A TYPICAL DWELLING WITH 4 OCCUPANTS

(Note that typical values used. Usage depends on design of water installation, personal habits, and size of family and efficiency of appliances)

DAILY HOUSEHOLD WATER USAGE IN LITRES (l)

PLACE

DWELLING = 40 m2

l

DWELLING > 180 m2

l

Bath

No bath

0

1 bath per day at a depth of 100 mm

84

Shower

3 showers at 10 l / min. for 3 minutes each

90

3 showers at 10 l/min. for 4 minutes each

120

Wash hand basin

Water used carefully

20

Water used carefully

20

Toilet

12 uses at 6 l per flush

72

12 uses at 9 l per flush

108

Washing machine

None

0

5 uses per week @ 40 l/cycle

29

Hand washing

Clothing, floors, windows and other

50

Water used sparingly

5

Cooking and drinking

Water used sparingly

15

Water used sparingly

15

Dishwasher

None

0

7 uses per week @ 12 l /cycle

84

Dishwashing

Sink filled with water each time

30

Water used sparingly

10

TOTAL WATER USED

277 l

475 l

EQUALS 69 l PER PERSON PER DAY

EQUALS 119 l PER PERSON PER DAY

·PRACTICE WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER EFFICIENCY MEASURES

·CHECK YOUR WATER CONSUMPTION FREQUENTLY BY READING YOUR WATER METER

·FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PHONE OR VISIT WEBSITE:

·REPORT COMPLAINTS TO CALL FREE NO 0800 20 5050 OR E-MAIL TO waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za

What are the consequences of building without approved building plans?

If you carry out building work without approval from the NMBM, you are
committing a criminal offence for which you can receive a court order to
demolish the structure concerned. Problems can also arise in the future if the
property is put up for sale and the NMBM’s records reveal that approval was not
granted.

What are the criteria to qualify for the pensioners/disabled rates rebate?

§The property must be categorised as
residential

§You must be the owner of the property on 1
July of the year for which the rebate is being applied

§You must be a pensioner and at least 60 years
old

§The joint income of all occupants residing on
the relevant property may not exceed an amount prescribed by Council on an
annual basis.

What are the restrictions on the use of water?

RESTRICTIONS
ON THE USE OF WATER

In terms of Section 4
of the Water Services Act 108 (No 108 of 1997) and Clause 31 of the Water &
Sanitation Services By-Law the following will be prohibited from immediate
effect:

1. The use of water
obtained from the Municipality’s water supply system for: -

8.
The prohibitions contained in this notice shall not apply in any case
specifically exempted, in writing, by the Executive Director: Infrastructure
and Engineering.

NOTE

Notice
boards must be prominently displayed where water from sources other than the Municipality’s
water supply system is used for irrigation.

Land
owners must notify the Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate in writing of
the existence of boreholes on their property.

Land owners
must apply to the Department of Water & Sanitation for the intention to
sink boreholes and also notify the NMBM.

All
consumption must be reduced by at least 15% and failure to achieve this the
NMBM will be forced to impose stricter measure.

THE
CONTRAVENTION OF THIS PROHIBITION CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENCE

What can’t I object against?

Legislation
allows you to object to any entry or omission from the General Valuation Roll
but not the roll in total. A property owner can also not object to the rates
that you are paying or are due to pay; The Valuation Services directorate does
not determine rates. We are responsible for the determination of property
values, which are used as the City's rates base by the Rates & Taxes
directorate to calculate your rates.

What do I do if I disagree with my property valuation?

Legislation
makes ample provision for any person to object to an entry in a General
Valuation roll, provided that such objection takes place in the prescribed
manner and within the prescribed objection period. An objection will be
considered by the Municipal Valuer and a Valuation Appeal Board, should a
property owner wish to appeal against the findings of the former. Each new valuation
roll must be advertised in a prescribed manner, and such roll must be made
available to the public for inspection and objection. Once the inspection
period has closed no more objections will be accepted.

Specific details on the objection dates and venues will be advised in the
individual notices to owners regarding their property valuations (sect 49
notices).

What do I need to do when I move out of a house, flat or business premises?

Take your ID
with you to your nearest municipal enquiries office. You will be asked the
address of the property you plan to vacate and the date on which you wish
to have your services disconnected.

This has to be
done at least four workings days prior to the date on which you want the
services terminated

The
clerk will process your request on-line and issue you with a copy as proof.

What do I need to do when moving into a house, flat or office to have my services connected and/ or transferred to my name?

Take your ID and
the correct address where you require the connection to your nearest
municipal enquiries office. Take money or a chequebook along with you, as
deposits and connection fees are payable.

In terms of the
relevant NMBM By-law, the institution may contract with the registered
owner of a property only: therefore you must be the registered owner in
order to open a service (water and/or electricity) account.

Where the owner
cannot report to the counter to sign the contract/agreement form, the
owner may send a duly authorised person, together with a power of
delegation letter, in order to open the account. Note that the account
will be opened in the owner’s name – not in the name of the delegated
representative.

Tenants cannot
open accounts in their own names.

Request the
enquiry clerk for assistance to open an account at the counter and ask about
the deposit and connection fees.

The connection
form will be completed on-line, whereafter the required deposit is payable
at the cashiers in the banking hall.

The cashier will
keep your connection form and forward it to the correct department for
connection.

You will receive
a copy with your receipt printed on the connection form.

What happens if I fail to pay my municipal account?

If you do not pay
your account by the due date, you will be liable for credit control action. If
you use a conventional electricity meter, the supply to that property may be
suspended until the arrears and penalty fee have been paid in full. If you use
a prepaid electricity meter, a blocking will be placed on vending computers to
prevent you from buying electricity until all arrears have been settled in
full. Legal action will be instituted should these measures fail to recover the
arrears

What is a General Valuation Roll?

A General Valuation Roll (GV) is a legal document that consists of property information of all rateableproperties within the boundaries of a municipality. It is produced according to The Municipal PropertyRates Act 6 of 2004 (MPRA).

What is a Section 49 Notice?

A section 49 Notice informs property owners of the amount
at which your property has been valued
as on 2 July 2012 by the Municipal Valuer and entered in the new valuation
roll, which takes effect
on 1 July 2013.

What should I do?

If you are satisfied that this figure represents the market value of your
property as at 2 July 2012,
you need to take no action. Should you feel that your property has been over or
under valued, you
may lodge an objection. You can do this by completing and handing in the
prescribed form together
with any information you have in support of your objection. The forms are obtainable
as per
the attached notice. The completed objection forms must be returned by
hand to any of the listed
Municipal Offices. No form of electronic submission will be accepted.

What is a supplementary valuation?

The City is compelled by legislation to reflect all changes on
properties in a Supplementary Valuation Roll. Supplementary valuations are
performed during each financial year, according to the relevant legislation, to
supplement the current general valuation roll with any new properties and/or
changes to property values contained in the current general valuation roll.

What is an ‘estate late’ account and what happens to an account if the owner is deceased?

An
‘estate late’ account applies where the registered owner/occupant of a property
passed away. The account will become an ‘estate late’ account once the NMBM is
notified via a death certificate.

If
the deceased had a will and a beneficiary is stated in the will, a normal
transfer has to take place and the required deposit must be paid if the
beneficiary is working and his/her income exceeds two state pensions. If the
beneficiary is unemployed or his/her income is less than two state pensions, the
MBM will transfer the property free of charge unto the name of the beneficiary.
Please take note that the monthly account has to be paid after the deceased
passed away. If the beneficiary is unemployed, he/she can apply for ATTP.

What is Land Use Management?

Land Use Management is the system of legal requirements and
regulations that apply to land in order to achieve desirable and harmonious
development of the built environment.

Every property in the Metro has a set of regulations to
control development, these regulations are determined by zoning of the
property.Property zoning is set out in
the applicable Town Planning Schemes, which determines land use, floor area,
coverage, building lines, parking provisions etc.

There are presently different Town Planning Schemes for
different areas in the Metro.It is
important to establish which scheme applies to which area, as the specific
requirements of the scheme differs.

In addition to the zoning regulations, development is also
controlled by conditions of title. These
conditions are set out in the Title Deed of each property, and can restrict the
way in which property may be developed.

Other pieces of Legislation that regulate development
include the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act and
various Policies and other Municipal Bylaws.

Any development of land that does not abide by this
legislation and its various sets of regulations can result in prosecution in
terms of applicable legislation.

What is the date of valuation and why is this important?

The
date of valuation refers to the date at which property values are determined
and fixed for the purpose of the General Valuation Roll. For the purpose of the
new GV 2013 2nd July 2012 has been set as the valuation date. It is also the
date that will be used for all future calculations for the purposes of supplementary
valuations up until a new general valuation roll replaces the General Valuation
Roll 2013.

What paperwork should I have to obtain a copy of my house plans / if I require plans of a property on behalf of someone else?

If you are the owner of the property, you can obtain the records on your
property presenting your valid ID document or your driver’s license.

If you are a ‘shared owner’ or co-owner, you may need to get permission
from them (the other co-owner) to obtain the documents as well.

Those collecting on behalf of owners e.g. estate agents or professionals
working on a project will need the following documents:

·Certified copy of a valid ID document / driver’s license of the owner of
the property.

·Letter written and under signed by the owner giving you permission to
obtain the info on their behalf.

What relief can I receive on my property rates charges if I am unable to pay for rates?

You
can apply for a rates rebate should you qualify for such a rebate. There arevarious types of rates rebates.

What should I do if there is no-one at my property during the day and the meter readers cannot read my meters?

You can read your own
meters and then telephone your nearest main municipal office with the readings
and the date they were taken. At least once a year, you will be expected to
make an appointment to meet a meter reader at your premises in order to confirm
the readings.

When and at what stages do I have to request an inspection?

Building control
office must be notified 2 working days in advanced that an inspection is
required. It is important that all compulsory inspections are carried out in
order to allow us to issue a completion certificate upon application.
There are compulsory inspections that one needs to book with the NMBM:

Completion- it is important
that you request a completion inspection ideally before your builder leaves the
site – additional work / cost may be necessary. It is illegal to occupy a
building / Extension without an occupation certificate. The certificate is a
vital document when you come to sell your property.

When do I have to pay my rates if I wish to pay it annually?

Annual property rates
are payable in full on or before the end of September each year.

When do I have to pay my rates if I wish to pay it monthly?

Property
rates are charged to the accounts of property owners on 1 July each year. If
the property owner wishes to pay it monthly, the first installment would be due
and payable in August. The date in August depends on the due date of the
services (water and/or electricity) linked to the relevant property.

When do my rates increase?

§The annual increase takes effect on the first
of July of each year, as this Municipality’s financial year is from 01 July
until 30 June the following year

§When a supplementary valuation is done

§Every four years, when the entire Metro gets
revalued in terms of the Property Rates Act

Where can I get property boundary drawing information as well as aerial photos?

Who can subdivide and consolidate my property (erf)?

Any Professional Land Surveyor (members list
on SAGC website or browse the 'yellow pages')

Or
you can visit 'Land Survey Enquiries Counter' on the 3rd floor Kwantu Towers'
or phone 041 506 2146 for more information.

Who is responsible for fixing water leaks on private property?

The
Municipality maintains and repairs the water mains up to the water meter. The
area from the meter to the taps is the responsibility of the owner or tenant,
depending on the lease agreement.

If you have a
leak on your property, contact a private plumbing contractor to make the
necessary repairs. It is in your own interest to have a leak repaired
immediately, as you will be charged at a higher rate as your consumption
increases.

If there is a
burst pipe or leak on a roadway or pavement, report it to the
Municipality’s Water Services. It is illegal for a consumer or private
contractor to tamper with a water meter.

Who is responsible for removing bees from my property?

The private property owner/occupant.

Who is responsible for removing rats from my property?

The private property owner/occupant.

Who qualifies for the indigent subsidy (ATTP)?

You are the
legal owner or account holder of the property.

The total gross household
income (of all occupants) is less than two state pensions per month –
currently R2 700 per month. Note that this amount is increased on 1 April
of each year.

There are many
other criteria – see the ATTP Policy on the NMBM website (www.nelsonmadnelaby.gov.za)
for detailed information in this regard.

Why a new Valuation Roll?

The
last NMBM valuation roll was implemented with effect from 1 July 2008, and by
law the City of Port Elizabeth needs to review its GV every four years. In the
case of the city of Port Elizabeth, the MEC for local Government granted the
City a 12 month extension and therefore Port Elizabeth residents will see the
GV implemented on 1 July 2013.

The general valuation is tied to a specific date for the entire period of the
valuation roll, and must be at most one year from the date of implementation.
This is referred to as Date of Valuation, at which all property values are
"pegged” or "fixed” and will be 1 July 2012. The values must reflect the market
value of the properties in accordance with the market conditions which applied
at that date.

Why does the NMBM implement Credit Control?

If the balance on
your latest account shows an overdue amount, you have already been scheduled
for cut-off because your account is 30 days overdue. You will receive a final
demand notice before getting your latest account. To avoid being cut off, you
must pay your account within 14 days of this final demand being posted to you. Always
check all the details on the disconnection notice to ensure that it relates to
your property.

If you do not respond to the disconnection notice within the days stipulated in
the letter of demand, your municipal water or electricity service will be cut
off. In this instance you will have to settle the full outstanding amount and
pay a reconnection fee before services will be reinstated.

This can be done at any
one of the following Customer Care Service Centres:

Customer
Care Centre

Address

Telephone

Office
Hours

Cleary
Park Office

Cleary
Park Shopping Centre
(cnr Norman Middleton & Stanford Rds>

(041) 506
2541
or
(041) 506 2542

08:00
– 15:30

Daleview
Office

Cnr
Hoog and Long Streets, Despatch

(041) 506
2671

08:00
– 15:30

Despatch
Office

Main
Road, Despatch

(041) 506
1637

08:00
– 15:30

Mfanasekhaya
Gqobose Building

Govan
Mbeki Avenue, Central

(041)
506 5555

08:00
– 15:30

Khayamnandi
Office

29
Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Despatch

(041) 506
2607

08:00
– 15:30

Korsten
Office

Ablett
Road
(opposite Livingstone Hospital)

(041) 506
2682

08:00
– 15:30

KwaNobuhle
Office

Ponana
Tini Road
(next to Fire Station)

(041) 506
2627

08:00
– 15:30

Motherwell
Office

Raymond
Mhlaba Sports Centre, Motherwell

(041) 506
2595

08:00
– 15:30

Mtombolwazi
Office

Addo
Road
(opposite Motherwell Cemetery)

(041) 506
2520

08:00
– 15:30

New
Brighton Office

Ntsekisa
Road, New Brighton

(041) 506
2564

08:00
– 15:30

Uitenhage
Office

Town
Hall Building, Uitenhage

(041) 994
1209

08:00
– 15:30

Walmer
Office

Heugh
Rd, Sixth Avenue
(opposite Checkers Shopping Mall)

(041)
506 2546

08:00
– 15:30

Zwide
Office

Johnson
Road
(next to Zwide Clinic)

(041) 506
2549

08:00
– 15:30

KwaMagxaki
Office

Ralo
Street
(off Uitenhage Road)

(041) 506
7217/38

08:00
– 15:30

Why should I pay for services?

Municipalities are
expected to be self-funding, raising much of their revenue from three key
sources: electricity and water supplies, and the property taxes known as rates.
The money raised by the NMBM will pay not only for basic services such as
roads, refuse collection, traffic control, sewers, lights and water, but also
for an expanded community police force, a large HIV/AIDS programme, housing for
the poor, and a refurbished bus service.

I hereby give permission for my details, as supplied on this webpage,
to be utilised for communication on municipal service delivery interruptions
communicated by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Do you agree? * YesNo